5 hp Honda Carb problem

[Primerib]

I have recently picked up a 5 HP Honda trolling motor. Great motor and low hours the problem is that it will only run about 6 to 8 hrs and the plug will carbon foul. When I bought the Honda I had to 'boil' out the carb . The engine runs fine , starts fine all that but the plug when it fouls that is all she wrote. I carry new plugs with me. <br /><br />I tried to adjust the needle valve, but am unable to improve on the situation. In fact the sevice manual will tell you to screw the valve in until the engine stumbles and then back it out. When I screw the needle valve all the way in it continues to run. I am unable to stall out the motor with the needle valve screwed tight into the carb. Any thoughts? Will my only option be to pickup a new carb? If so, any lines on Honda carbs?? The dealer here wants $90 for a tiny little carb!!

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 5 hp Honda Carb problem

If it fails to lean out, stumble, and die at idle by turning the mixture screw all the way in, it's got to be getting gas from somewhere. Had a little honda generator that had developed a small leak around the needle/seat assy and required a new carb to make the repair. Might be the easiest way to go.

 

[hondon]

Re: 5 hp Honda Carb problem

In all likelyhood ,you are lugging this engine.You don't mention what you are using it on.This engine needs to idle at around 1500 in gear.

 

[Primerib]

Re: 5 hp Honda Carb problem

Thanks for the replys , I am very familiar with the Honda 5 , having logged many hours with my brother fishing, he has a 1988 model. His will run a couple years/ hundreds of hours on a sparkplug (no carbon fouling)<br /><br />On my Honda,the carbon foul problem tends to get worse, less run time on a spark plug, at higher running speed. I use it exclusively for trolling and have adjusted the idle speed as low as it will go and still run smooth. During the usual fishing trip there is a need to speed up and when I do so it will lessen the spark plug life.<br /><br />Couple of followup questions.... Now if I have to replace the carb is there any suggestions on where to buy..<br /><br />Is there a way to clean the spark plug of the carbon and use them again? Can you run a hotter plug than what is specified? I use the NGK BP5ES.<br /><br />Thanks